Court Won't Split Copyright Suit Over Lady Gaga's 'Judas'

Law360, New York (November 4, 2011, 8:37 PM EDT) -- An Illinois magistrate judge on Friday refused to split up a lawsuit claiming Lady Gaga's hit song "Judas" copied another singer's work, ruling the liability and damages issues would not be litigated separately.

Following a hearing, U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeffrey T. Gilbert denied the request made by the pop star's record label, UMG Recordings Inc., which argued that the suit should be split so that the liability issues can be quickly resolved, making a complex damages assessment necessary only if plaintiff Rebecca Francescatti prevails.